Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, children facing adversity in their lives are matched with screened and trained adult volunteers to share outings in the community that help broaden the child’s life experiences and build background knowledge, with the goal of helping the child reach his or her greatest potential. The benefits are tremendous, with improvements in youth behavior, self-confidence, academic performance and relationships, in addition to increased avoidance of risky behaviors.

Lichty and his former Little Brother spent their outings going hiking, exploring and playing tennis together. For many years they also participated in the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake to help raise funds for the program that brought them together. Although the match came to a successful completion last year, Lichty still feels a bond with the young man, with plans to call and wish him a happy 15th birthday this month.

Very often the Big Brothers Big Sisters friendships continue long after matches close. Some former Bigs and Littles remain connected for life, with Bigs attending college graduations and weddings, and celebrating and supporting other milestone events together along life’s paths.

Area businesses, clubs, churches and friends of Big Brothers Big Sisters come together to raise funds through Bowl For Kids’ Sake by providing sponsorships or forming teams to bowl. Lichty Guitars and other main supporters, CooperRiis, David and Patty Slater, Terry Ackerman, Morning Glory Farm and Song Hill Reserve, along with numerous team and lane sponsors, generously provide local financial support that is essential for sustaining the unique mentoring services provided by the organization for at-risk youth in our elementary schools and communities.

Lichty Guitars can be reached at 828-817-1460. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, or about Bowl For Kids’ Sake on Nov.10, please call 828-859-9230.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey